Spring assisted spotter pins for a weight lifting power rack

ABSTRACT

There is provided a unique weight lifting spotting pin which provides an assist to the weight lifter to speed the development of his lifting ability. The inventive spotter pins mount to typical weight lifting power rack to provide a rest for a weight bar. A helical spring forms the weight bearing element of the spotter pin, flexing downwardly under the weight of the resting weight bar. As a lifter begins to lift the weight bar, the helical spring tends to return to its natural, unflexed position, thereby helping to snap the weight bar upwardly from the spotter pin. With an assist in initiating the lift, a weight lifter may more rapidly increase his lift weight, thereby speeding the training time required to achieve a desired weight lift.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to physical training equipment, especially as it relates to weight lifting. More particularly, the invention comprises a spring assisted spotter pin for a weight lifting power rack which allows a lifter to increase the load of a weight bar without risk of being pinned by the bar.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Weight lifters routinely use a power rack to support their weight bar such that the bar can be lifted from either a prone or a standing position. The power rack has spotter pins which hold the weight bar prior to and after a lift and also acts as a stop to prevent the weights from falling onto the lifter. Typically these spotter pins are mounted horizontally from the vertical members of the power rack by a series of mounting holes in the power rack legs.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,520, issued to Anibal Rodriquez on Jul. 11, 2000, presents a WEIGHT LIFTING SAFETY SYSTEM EMPLOYING CONSTANT FORCE SPRING, wherein an elliptical spring and an electrically driven jackscrew situated on each side of a weight lifting bench provides an emergency lifting device, activated by a foot switch, in the event the lifter become pinned by the weight bar. The present invention provides no active lifting for emergency situations, but rather provides a passive protection against pinning while providing a spring assisted lift for training.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,166, issued to Kevin Capizzo, et. al., on Nov. 23, 1999, presents an ADJUSTABLE BARBELL PRESS APPARATUS, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,921, issued to Jeffrey S. Dawson on Oct. 20, 1998 presents a FREEWEIGHT BARBELL LIFTING EXERCISE MACHINE WITH USER CONTROLLABLE LIFT ASSIST AND SAFETY DEVICE, wherein a framework rising above a weight bench supports an electric winch or other similar lifting device to assist the lifter in the lift process or to aid in maintaining control of the weight bar after exerting himself to muscle exhaustion. Conversely, the present invention uses no electrical means to control the weight bar, relying instead on a spring to provide lift assist and a rigid bar to protect against dropping of the weight bar upon muscle exhaustion.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,193, issued to Kenneth G. Colbo, Jr., on Jan. 25, 1994, presents a BENCH-PRESS WEIGHT WORKOUT STATION WITH SMART FEATURES; U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,480, issued to James J. Lennox, et. al., on Aug. 25, 1992, presents a BENCH PRESS EXERCISE APPARATUS; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,141, issued to Carl K. Towley, III, et. al., on Apr. 30, 1991 presents a BENCH PRESS WITH ADJUSTABLE SAFETY/RANGE LIMITING BARS, wherein spotter pins or limiting bars mounted to the vertical frame of a power rack provide a stopping bar to prevent the weight lifter from being pinned by the weight bar after muscle exhaustion and provides a shelf for resting the weight bar on in preparation for and after a lift. The present invention also provides spotter pins for protecting the weight lifter, but also provides a spring assist in the lifting process, which is lacking in Colbo; Lennox, et. al.; and Towley, III, et. al.

[0008] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In weight training, a lifter typically uses a power rack having spotter pins to support his weights prior to and after a lift. The spotter pins also provide assurance that the weights will not drop and pin him in the event he should loose control of the weights. These spotter pins are typically rigid bars adjustably mounted horizontally from the vertical members of the power rack through a series of adjustment holes in the vertical legs of the rack.

[0010] The present invention provides a spotter pin which not only provides the support for the weight bar and protection from dropped weights, but also provides lifting assist for improved training. Rather than being a rigid bar, as is typical in the prior art, the present invention includes a helical spring encased in a vinyl cover which flexes downwardly when the weight bar is placed on it, providing the lifter a degree of assistance in initiating a lift, thereby accelerating training. For mounting purposes and added safety, the present invention also incorporates a rigid brace below the spring.

[0011] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a weight lifting spotter pin which is economical.

[0012] It is another object of the invention to provide a weight lifting spotter pin which is easy to install.

[0013] It is a further object of the invention to provide a weight lifting spotter pin which is safe to use.

[0014] Still another object of the invention is to provide a weight lifting spotter pin which provides assistance in initiating a lift.

[0015] An additional object of the invention is to provide a weight lifting spotter pin which allows a lifter to increase his lift weight more rapidly.

[0016] It is again an object of the invention to provide a weight lifting spotter pin which provides a dampened stop a the end of a lift.

[0017] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0018] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0020]FIG. 1 is a side view of a single one of the pair of the inventive spotter pins as mounted on one of the vertical elements of a power rack.

[0021]FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the invention.

[0022]FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective of the invention with a weight bar at rest on the inventive spotter pins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Spotter pins, mounted horizontally to the vertical members of a power frame, have long been used as a safety device for weight lifters, providing a place to rest the weights prior to and after a lift and protection from a weight bar falling and pinning the lifter. The present invention adds a spring assist to the lifter, greatly accelerating training time.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the inventive spotter pin 10 is mounted to a vertical member 3 of a power rack 1. The primary structure of spotter pin 10 is a “U” bracket 12, having a suspension end 14, a lower, horizontal arm 16, and a free end 18. A mounting pin 20 rigidly affixed at a first end proximate the upper extreme of the outer surface (as it relates to the noted “U” shape of bracket 12) of suspension end 14 and a locking pin 22 affixed at a first end proximate the lower extreme of the outer surface of suspension end 14 mount spotter pin 10 to vertical member 3 of power rack 1 through mounting apertures 5 in vertical member 3. Retaining pin aperture 24, proximate a second end of mounting pin 20, receives retaining pin 26 (any of a variety of available retaining pins) to secure mounting pin 20 in aperture 5.

[0025] Spring arm 28 is affixed at a first end proximate the upper extreme of the inner surface of suspension end 14, substantially opposite mounting pin 20. Spring arm aperture 30, proximate a second end of spring arm 28 receives spring hook 33 at a first end of helical spring 32. A spring rod 34, having a spring hook aperture 36 at a first end and threads 37 at a second end passes through a spring rod aperture 38 proximate the upper extreme of free end 18 of “U” bracket 12. Spring hook 33A at a second end of spring 32 engages with spring hook aperture 36 in spring rod 34, while spring rod tensioning nut 40 engages the threads 37 at the second end of spring rod 34. Tension of spring 32 is adjusted by tightening or loosening spring rod tensioning nut 40 against free end 18 of “U” bracket 12. A tensioning washer 41 is fitted over spring rod 34 between free end 18 and spring rod tensioning nut 40. Helical spring 32 is encased in a semi-rigid plastic covering 42 (FIG. 2) to provide protection against damage to the helical spring 32 and items coming in contact with helical spring 32, such as a weight bar or the weight lifters finger (not shown).

[0026] Referring now also to FIG. 3, in use, one of the inventive spotter pins 10 is mounted to each of the two vertical members 3 of a power rack 1 by inserting mounting pin 20 into a first mounting aperture 5 in vertical member 3 and locking pin 22 into a second, lower mounting aperture 5. A retaining pin 26 is fit through retaining pin aperture 24 of mounting pin 20 to prevent mounting pin 20 from withdrawing from mounting aperture 5. A weight bar 7 is placed so that the helical spring 32 of each of the spotter pins 10 supports one of the two ends of the weight bar 7. With weight bar 7 so placed, helical springs 32 flexes downward, to a first position 100, under the weight of weight bar 7. A weight lifter (not shown), either prone or standing, positions himself under weight bar 7 and lifts the weight bar 7 as he would with a conventional spotter pin. Due to the downward flex of helical springs 32 and the tendency for helical springs 32 to return to the natural, unflexed position 102, as the weight lifter lifts weight bar 7 from spotter pins 5, helical springs 32 add an assist to the lifter. Since most of the exertion is weight lifting is in gaining the initial momentum of the lift, this assist allows a lifter to lift a little extra weight than he would be able to without the assist provided by helical springs 32. Therefore, a lifter in training can increase the weight of weight bar 7 more rapidly than with standard, rigid spotter pins.

[0027] It would be evident to one skilled in the art that spotter pins 10 could be of a variety of materials, such as, but not limited to steel, aluminum, or polycarbons.

[0028] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A weight lifting spotter pin for use with a weight lifting power rack, comprising: a deflectable spotter pin having a first end adapted for attachment to a first end of a mounting bracket and a second end adapted for attachment to a second end of said mounting bracket, said mounting bracket being adapted for removable attachment to a vertical member of said weight lifting power rack.
 2. A weight lifting spotter pin for use with a weight lifting power rack, as defined in claim 1, wherein said attachment between said spotter pin and said mounting bracket is adjustable, whereby tension of said deflectable spotter pin may be varied.
 3. A weight lifting spotter pin for use with a weight lifting power rack, as defined in claim 1, wherein said spotter pin comprises one from the group of helical spring, leaf spring, and flexible bar.
 4. A weight lifting spotter pin for use with a weight lifting power rack, as defined in claim 3, wherein said spotter pin comprises a helical spring.
 5. A weight lifting spotter pin for use with a weight lifting power rack, as defined in claim 4, wherein said helical spring is encased in a semi-rigid plastic covering.
 6. A weight lifting spotter pin for use with a weight lifting power rack, as defined in claim 4, wherein said helical spring is formed of steel.
 7. A weight lifting spotter pin for use with a weight lifting power rack, as defined in claim 1, wherein said bracket is a substantially “U” shaped bracket.
 8. A weight lifting spotter pin for use with a weight lifting power rack, as defined in claim 7, wherein said “U” bracket is formed of steel.
 9. A weight lifting spotter pin for use with a weight lifting power rack, as defined in claim 1, wherein said adjustable connection between said spotter pin and said mounting bracket comprises: a spring rod comprising: a first adapted for attachment to said spotter pin and a second, threaded end adapted for passing through an aperture in said second end of said bracket and receiving a tensioning washer and a tensioning nut, said tensioning washer and tensioning nut exerting tension on said spotter pin by adjusting the tightness of said tensioning nut against said second end of said bracket.
 10. A weight lifting spotter pin for use with a weight lifting power rack, as defined in claim 1, wherein said means of removable attachment of said bracket to said vertical member of said power rack comprises: a mounting pin, affixed at a first end proximate the upper extreme of said first end of said bracket, said mounting pin having a retaining pin aperture through said mounting pin proximate a second end, said retaining pin aperture being adapted to receive a retaining pin, and a locking pin, affixed at a first end proximate the lower extreme of said first end of said bracket, said mounting pin and said locking pin being adapted to engage apertures in said vertical member of said weight lifting power rack.
 11. A weight lifting spotter pin for use with a weight lifting power rack, comprising: a substantially “U” shaped bracket having a substantially vertical suspension end, further comprising: a mounting pin, affixed at a first end proximate the upper extreme of the outer surface of said vertical suspension end, as related to the open center of said “U” shaped bracket, said mounting pin having a retaining pin aperture through said mounting pin proximate a second end, said retaining pin aperture adapted to receive a retaining pin, a locking pin, affixed at a first end proximate the lower extreme of the outer surface of said vertical suspension end, a spring arm, affixed at a first end proximate the upper extreme of the inner surface of said suspension end, substantially opposite said mounting pin and having a spring arm aperture through said spring arm proximate a second end; a lower, substantially horizontal arm connecting the lower extreme of said vertical suspension end and the lower extreme of a substantially vertical free end, said vertical free end having a spring rod aperture proximate the upper extreme thereof; said spotter pin further comprising: a spring rod comprising: a first end, having a spring hook aperture proximate said first end, and a second, threaded end; a helical spring affixed at a first end by a hook formed as a part of said first end of said helical spring through said spring arm aperture proximate said first end of said spring arm and at a second end by a hook formed as a part of said second end of said helical spring through said spring hook aperture proximate said first end of said spring rod, said spring rod passing through said spring rod aperture, and tension being applied to said helical spring by a tensioning washer and tensioning nut threaded over said threaded end of said spring rod and drawing against said free end of said U bracket.
 12. A weight lifting spotter pin for use with a weight lifting power rack, as defined in claim 11, wherein said helical spring is encased in a semi-rigid plastic covering.
 13. A weight lifting spotter pin for use with a weight lifting power rack, as defined in claim 11, wherein said “U” bracket is formed of steel.
 14. A weight lifting spotter pin for use with a weight lifting power rack, as defined in claim 11, wherein said helical spring is formed of steel.
 15. A method for lifting a weight bar, in combination with two weight lifting spotter pins for use with a weight lifting power rack, each of said weight lifting spotter pins comprising: a substantially “U” shaped bracket having a substantially vertical suspension end, further comprising: a mounting pin, affixed at a first end proximate the upper extreme of the outer surface of said vertical suspension end, as related to the open center of said “U” shaped bracket, said mounting pin having a retaining pin aperture through said mounting pin proximate a second end, said retaining pin aperture adapted to receive a retaining pin, a locking pin, affixed at a first end proximate the lower extreme of the outer surface of said vertical suspension end, a spring arm, affixed at a first end proximate the upper extreme of the inner surface of said suspension end, substantially opposite said mounting pin and having a spring arm aperture through said spring arm proximate a second end; a lower, substantially horizontal arm connecting the lower extreme of said vertical suspension end and the lower extreme of a substantially vertical free end, said vertical free end having a spring rod aperture proximate the upper extreme thereof; said spotter pin further comprising: a spring rod comprising: a first end, having a spring hook aperture proximate said first end, and a second, threaded end; a helical spring affixed at a first end by a hook formed as a part of said first end of said helical spring through said spring arm aperture proximate said first end of said spring arm and at a second end by a hook formed as a part of said second end of said helical spring through said spring hook aperture proximate said first end of said spring rod, said spring rod passing through said spring rod aperture, and tension being applied to said helical spring by a tensioning washer and tensioning nut threaded over said threaded end of said spring rod and drawing against said free end of said U bracket; said method further comprising: mounting one of said spotter pins to each of the two vertical members of a weightlifting power rack by inserting said mounting pin through a one of said mounting apertures in said vertical member and said locking pin into a second, lower mounting aperture in said vertical member, inserting a retaining pin through said retaining pin aperture of said mounting pin to retain said mounting pin in said mounting aperture, adjusting the tension of said helical springs by adjusting the tightness of said spring rod tensioning nut against said free end, said helical spring being in a first, unflexed position, placing a weight bar on said two spotting pins such that one end of said weigh bar rests on each of said two spotting pins, the weight of said weight bar causing said helical springs to flex downwardly to a second, flexed position, positioning a weight lifter under said weight bar, said weight lifter lifting said weight bar, said downward flex of said helical springs providing an assist to said weight lifter in lifting said weight bar by returning to said first, unflexed position as the weight of said weight bar is removed from said helical spring, thereby allowing said weight lifter to lift a greater weight, thus allowing him to increase his lifting capacity more rapidly. 